Chaрtеr 233: Тhе Рure Courtеsаn
After Хiuxiu finished sреаking, Zhu Yаn wаs sо shockеd she didn’t know how to exрrеss her thоughts.
Bаsеd оn thеse сluеs, it wаs сlеar thаt this case wаs undоubtedlу conneсted to Ji Dаfu.
At the sаmе timе, shе wаs dееply рuzzlеd. Xiuхiu hаd likеly knоwn Pаn Сhi for less timе thаn she hаd known Liu Zongyuаn, so why would shе соnfide sо much in Pan Сhi аnd rеveаl sо mаnу things?
Тurning tо loоk аt Pаn Chi, hе wore thе eхрrеssion оf аn uрright gеntleman, hardlу resembling someonе who would spеnd lavishly tо plеаse а courtesan. How could the two of them share such a deep rapport?
Xiuxiu had originally been treating the matter as gossip, but now, as she gazed at Pan Chi, she had long forgotten about it.
This was not for any other reason but that Pan Chi also seemed indifferent to the matter. He was nearby, holding a brush and pondering, occasionally writing a few words while murmuring as if considering rhyme and meter. He hadn’t been listening to Xiuxiu at all but was instead lost in thought about poetry.
Pan Chi was naturally handsome and talented, with a deep sympathy for the fate of women in the Blue Pavilion and brothels. He had always been at ease in such settings, so Xiuxiu’s behavior was entirely ordinary.
Zhu Yan, focused on the case, didn’t notice the situation unfolding beside her.
Xiuxiu, holding an embroidered handkerchief, walked over quietly. She picked up the handle of a porcelain pot and watered the balsam flowers by the windowsill. Seeing this, Pan Chi’s eyes lit up, and he suddenly began writing while reciting:
“After rain, a few blossoms sway so light,
In cool summer, they test their grace.
Lotus on the pond, untouched by dust,
Tired of gazing, a small butterfly crosses the wall in delight.
Green leaves ripple with a gentle breeze,
Softly held, a delicate fragrance drifts from sleeves.
A lovely girl with hair coiled in a bun,
Steals a moment, a touch of crimson on her fingertips congeals.”
Just as Xiuxiu finished watering, she and Zhu Yan looked up simultaneously. The delicate red balsam flowers in the pot, adorned with droplets of water, swayed gracefully—truly resembling a scene after rain. Who would have thought that just watching her water the flowers for a moment would inspire him to compose a poem, each word meticulously crafted with perfect rhyme and meter? Indeed, the world was not mistaken—Pan Chi was a rare talent, unmatched in ancient or modern times.
For a moment, as Zhu Yan observed, Xiuxiu’s gaze toward Pan Chi took on a different light.
After reciting the poem, Pan Chi even composed a melody for it with astonishing speed, leaving Zhu Yan utterly dumbfounded.
Turning her gaze to Xiuxiu, she now had tears in her eyes, whether from emotion or admiration was unclear. Her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms as she held the musical score Pan Chi had created and sighed, “Across the vast sea of people, where can one find a kindred spirit? You, sir, are truly my soulmate.”
Her affectionate gaze remained fixed on Pan Chi as she sat beside him, plucking the strings of a zither and singing the poem.
Seeing this, Zhu Yan suddenly felt she understood.
No wonder Xiuxiu had confided so deeply in Pan Chi—she had already regarded him as a kindred spirit.
As for Pan Chi’s various displays, Zhu Yan was utterly impressed. Under the table, she gave him a thumbs-up.
Pan Chi naturally understood Zhu Yan’s meaning. Pleased by her praise, he suddenly had an idea, his eyes sparkling as if he’d thought of something.
Leaning close to Xiuxiu’s ear, he whispered a few words. Xiuxiu understood and instructed a nearby maid to make arrangements.
Zhu Yan had no idea what the two were planning but watched with great interest as she said to Pan Chi, “What? Do you have other arrangements here?”
Though her tone was calm, Zhu Yan was already growing impatient.Pan Chi always managed to surprise her in delightful ways. Moreover, he was exceptionally clever and considerate. Investigating cases with him was far more interesting than being with Shen Du.
Just as Zhu Yan was wondering what other surprises awaited her, the door suddenly swung open.
Several handsome young men walked in from outside, lining up in front of Zhu Yan. Each of them gazed at her with unusually affectionate eyes.
"This..." Seeing so many handsome men, Zhu Yan was momentarily stunned. Although this was the Blue Pavilion, she had come dressed in men's clothing.
She shot a puzzled look at Pan Chi, who understood her meaning and whispered close to her ear, "The people here are seasoned veterans. Disguising yourself as a man won't fool them."
Only then did Zhu Yan realize that Miss Xiuxiu had seen through her disguise from the very beginning.
But what was the deal with these male courtesans? Weren't they all arranged by Pan Chi?
Zhu Yan didn't understand Pan Chi's intentions, but the male courtesans before her were indeed handsome, and their affectionate gazes made it impossible for her to feel angry.
"These gentlemen are truly handsome..." Zhu Yan couldn't help but praise them, and the courtesans, understanding the cue, took the initiative to sit beside her.
At this sight, Zhu Yan's heart skipped a beat. Praising their looks didn't mean she intended to accept their advances.
The sudden closeness startled Zhu Yan, causing her to jump up from her chair. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into Pan Chi, who had somehow appeared behind her.
Finding her in his arms, Pan Chi was pleasantly surprised. Looking down at the person in his embrace, he asked, "What's wrong? Do you have thorns on you?"
"You scoundrel!" Knowing Pan Chi was teasing her, Zhu Yan raised her fist to strike his chest.
Pan Chi, however, seized her wrist and gazed at her affectionately. "Working on cases all day is exhausting. I thought you'd appreciate a chance to relax."
"Is this your idea of relaxation?" Zhu Yan pouted, glaring angrily at Pan Chi. Just then, the door was suddenly kicked open.
Following the sound, they saw a cold and furious figure standing at the doorway.
The two were so close, and Pan Chi was holding Zhu Yan's wrist. If he hadn't arrived just then, what might have happened next? He didn't dare imagine.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment. The atmosphere grew tense, and everyone fell silent, so quiet that they could hear each other's heartbeats.
What were they doing?! Shen Du roared inwardly: Did they think he was dead?
The atmosphere was delicate, and even Xiuxiu felt awkward, unsure of what to say.
The newcomer radiated a murderous rage, his entire being shrouded in a dark, menacing aura. It was clear he was not someone to be trifled with.
But this was her establishment after all. Regardless, she should try to defuse the situation first. "Sir, you..."
Before Xiuxiu could finish, Shen Du strode into the room, pulled Zhu Yan into his arms, and glared with eyes full of fury.
He was about to reprimand her when he noticed that aside from Pan Chi, there were several other men present. These men looked fearful of his sudden arrival.
From their attire and appearance, Shen Du immediately deduced their identities—they were male courtesans from this place!
Pan Chi had actually brought Zhu Yan here to seek out male courtesans!This is truly intolerable. A pair of murderous eyes glared fiercely at Pan Chi, and a sharp reprimand followed, "Are you so idle that you have nothing better to do? How dare you bring her to such a place and arrange for all these men? What exactly are you scheming?"
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